Strange brake issue
Discussion
I seem to have had issues with my front brake on my 2017 GSXS1000 for a long time now. Recently after a few days away the lever felt very spongy and was almost coming back to the bar (quite unnerving on North Yorkshire roads!). I topped up the fluid and bled it from the Master cylinder and everything felt fine. However, I went for a quick blast on Sunday and noticed the brake deteriorating throughout the ride until it was as bad as previously. I also noticed seeping from the reservoir.
I'm planning to give the brakes a big overhaul over winter (new pads, piston clean, new fluid and braided lines). Before I do so though I need to establish what this issue is. I've never had a reservoir leaking before. I made sure the seals and plastic insert were cleaned and seated correctly but somethings just not quite right. I'm by no means an expert so any advice would be appreciated!
I'm planning to give the brakes a big overhaul over winter (new pads, piston clean, new fluid and braided lines). Before I do so though I need to establish what this issue is. I've never had a reservoir leaking before. I made sure the seals and plastic insert were cleaned and seated correctly but somethings just not quite right. I'm by no means an expert so any advice would be appreciated!
airsafari87 said:
I’d guess that wherever the fluid is seeping from is also allowing air back in to the system and that could be the reason why they are getting spongy as the ride progresses.
I'm thinking similar. Maybe start with replacing the reservoir gasket as it looks as though that is what's leaking.I don't think its likely to be the leaking reservoir.
The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
julian64 said:
I don't think its likely to be the leaking reservoir.
The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
No absolutely nothing which is what is confusing me! The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
julian64 said:
I don't think its likely to be the leaking reservoir.
The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
Agreed, or, if no fluid leak then master cylinder seals would be where I would look next. The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
black-k1 said:
julian64 said:
I don't think its likely to be the leaking reservoir.
The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
Agreed, or, if no fluid leak then master cylinder seals would be where I would look next. The reservoir is usually significantly higher that the master cylinder, so unless the reserviour has actually leaked enough to let air into the system its still maintaining a positive pressure
Problem is much more likey to be an air leak around the master cylinder itself. is there any brake fouid apparent there?
It's vaguely plausible that the reservoir leak could let air into the system, there could be a little bit of suction there in the moment where you're releasing the brake.
Bike MC's don't always have the benefit of being the 'right way up' for air to escape.
It's the brakes. I take a firm view that the front brake must work as it should, no excuse to ride with any part of it dodgy.
Apart from that, stray brake fluid is awful stuff.
Bike MC's don't always have the benefit of being the 'right way up' for air to escape.
It's the brakes. I take a firm view that the front brake must work as it should, no excuse to ride with any part of it dodgy.
Apart from that, stray brake fluid is awful stuff.
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